Edible Exit: Westfield

Between a visit to the historic Miller-Cory House Museum and boutique shopping, stop for a bite at one of these local eateries.

Located in Union County, Westfield sits at the intersection of Routes 2828, 509 and 610. From the Garden State Parkway, take exit 13535 to Central Avenue (Route 613) and go west about 3 miles to the business district.

Robert Treatat Delicatatessen
113 Quimby St.
(908) 232-0925
Serving Westfield since 1932 and run by the Kasich family since 1978, this is the kind of place where regulars and newcomers alike are treated like family. The menu includes deli standards like subs and triple-decker Sloppy Joes made with home-cooked roast beef, corned beef and turkey. At lunchtime they also have a small hot buffet featuring some of their fresh, homemade specialties. Although I was there on Thursday, meatloaf day, I couldn't resist the look and smell of the succulent fried-chicken cutlets. Served with buttery whipped potatoes topped with homemade gravy, as well as fresh local corn, this meal had me feeling right at home. $8.95

Ferraro's
8-14 Elm St.
(908) 232-1101
Another Westfield landmark, Ferraro's is the kind of place where you come in from the cold to have a comforting bowl of minestrone and a nice plate of pasta. Since I stopped in for lunch on a warm day, soup was out of the question. Although the lunch menu has salads, sandwiches, pizza and wraps that fall under 10 bucks, I was drawn to the focaccia sandwiches. Tender and juicy grilled chicken layered with flavorful roasted red peppers and fresh mozzarella between slices of heavenly focaccia was accented with a dash of balsamic vinegar. $9.95

Xocolatz
235 Elmer St.
(908) 232-3962
Xocolatz serves continental cuisine with an eclectic, Latin-inspired touch. The lunch menu offers creative versions of traditional dishes, such as sweet potato pierogis, and includes a variety of soups, appetizers, salads and sandwiches. I loved the smothered meatloaf. With this dish, a hearty portion of Xocolatz home-style meatloaf is served between slices of grilled rye bread and smothered with caramelized onions, sauteed spinach and melted mozzarella -- bold flavors that all stand up well against one another. Served with homemade chips and a pickle spear. $8.95

Zamba Chicken
231 South Ave. W.
(908) 233-8800
The scent of savory grilled meats greeted me before I crossed the threshold to meet the friendly staff. Zamba separates itself from other quick-serve rotisserie eateries by presenting dishes with a decidedly South American flavor, including boldly seasoned slow-cooked chicken, ribs and steak. I had a half-chicken meal that reminded me of authentic churrasqueira (Brazilian barbecue). The flavors of the grilled chicken, black beans and rice were as spicy and vibrant as the decor. $8.50

Hershey's
Giant Submarines
221 South Ave. W.
(908) 233-0430
An unpretentious storefront masks a local institution serving great-tasting sandwiches. Cast from the classic Jersey sub-shop mold, Hershey's offers a dizzying array of hot and cold combinations. You can also choose from a variety of specialty subs, mostly named after tropical locales. I recommend taking your taste buds to Trinidad. Roast beef, turkey and Swiss cheese are topped with lettuce, tomatoes and Russian dressing and served on a fluffy foot-long roll. $9.50